A SINGULAR DISCOVERY--BATTELL CROSSING A SAND RIDGE ON THE
ICE-FIELD--CAPTAIN GANOE LEADS A PARTY TO HIS ASSISTANCE--LIEF
AND ERIC--BATTELL'S THEORY--A SECOND EXPEDITION--BATTELL'S LONG
ABSENCE--IS DISCOVERED RETURNING ALONE, SCARCELY ABLE TO WALK--RELIEF
PARTY FINDS HIM UNCONSCIOUS--CAPTAIN GANOE AS PHYSICIAN--BATTELL
RELATES HOW HE WAS ABANDONED BY HIS MEN--PREPARING FOR THE BREAK.
[Illustration]
HUSTON stepped upon the elevator and descended to the ship to carry
out the instructions he had received, while Captain Ganoe and myself
remained in the observatory to scan the surface more critically, and
map out the route we must travel. So far as we could discover there
seemed to be no serious obstacle in the way. The surface between us
and the sand ridge which Battell must cross had the appearance of a
level plain of snow or ice, with numerous hummocks scattered here and
there. Beyond this, the ridge, with some lofty elevations, filled the
outlines of the picture.
The point which Battell had selected for crossing was a gap in this
ridge. Directly below the gap the ridge was very steep but the top
could be reached from this point by an easy incline towards the south.
I made a hasty sketch of every prominent object on a direct line from
the observatory to the gap which was the point we desired to reach as
soon as possible, as we felt that our assistance was sorely needed.
This work was completed to our satisfaction when we noticed the crew
with the sledge coming around the north side, and we hastened down to
meet them at the foot of the mountain on the east. We found everything
in good shape for a rapid march: The sledge was lightly loaded with
such appliances, ropes, pulleys, etc., as had been deemed necessary
to enable us to render the most effectual assistance. The dogs were
pulling on their harness as if anxious for a run, and the men were
fresh, and feeling the need of exercise.
The thaw had scarcely commenced and the traveling was good. Every
condition seemed favorable. Captain Ganoe and myself led off along the
route which our observations had indicated as the most practicable.
In less than two hours we had reached the foot of the ridge just
below the gap where we had discovered Captain Battell. We found the
surface covered with volcanic ashes and scoria, and our minds instantly
reverted to the earthquake which broke up the ice-field, and our narrow
escape from destruction. However, this was no time for speculation. Our
business was to reach the top as soon as possible.
We found that a direct ascent would be exceedingly difficult, but
that the inclining shelf along the face of the ridge would enable us
to reach the top at a point about a half mile south of the gap. This
shelf, or bench, was several yards in width and its appearance, covered
as it was with ashes, gave the impression that it had been a level
shore line that in some great convulsion of nature had been tilted up
from the south at an angle of about twenty-five degrees, and that the
general surface had been leveled up by a subsequent deposit over the
lower part.
We at once began our ascent along this comparatively easy route. Yet
it was a tedious and toilsome effort to get the sledge with its load
of necessary appliances to the top. However, within less than an hour,
notwithstanding numerous resting spells, we reached the top and found
ourselves on a level plateau, several hundred feet wide, and about one
half mile south of where we expected to find Captain Battell and his
comrades.
While our party halted in order to give the dog-team a rest, Captain
Ganoe and myself hurried on to the gap. On reaching the edge we
discovered that the men were taking a rest, after having lifted most of
the contents of the sledge to the top. We could see that they had been
compelled to cut a road through some hundreds of feet of frozen ashes,
in order to reach their present position, and we did not need to be
told that they had been having a very hard time.
Most of the party were asleep and no one observed our approach until we
had descended into the gap, and Captain Ganoe had called out in regular
sailor style the familiar: "Ship Ahoy!" This unexpected greeting
brought Captain Battell to his feet, but for a moment he was too much
surprised to make any response.
Recovering himself, he advanced and grasped Captain Ganoe by the hand
exclaiming:
"How did you get here? I was just thinking how fortunate it would be if
you knew the predicament we are in and would come to our relief with a
capstan and some more ropes and pulleys."
"That is just what we have done," said Captain Ganoe. "Jack was on the
lookout for you from his observatory on top of the mountain of ice that
covers the resting place of the Ice King. As soon as we discovered you,
we started to your relief with a sledge load of such appliances as it
seemed you most needed."
"This is indeed fortunate," said Battell. "We are almost exhausted with
the efforts we have been compelled to make in order to reach this gap,
and now that we are here, we find that our difficulties are by no means
ended, and it is most important that we should get well over the ridge
and commence our exploration of the western portion of this vast island
of ashes and ice."
As he was speaking, our sledge appeared at the top of the gap and the
men joined us at once. Huston acting as spokesman for our Norwegian
sailors, said: "Lief and Eric request that they be permitted to
complete the work of transferring the sledges and their loads to the
west side."
"Tell them," said the Captain, "to go ahead in their own way and accept
our thanks for their most welcome services."
In a few minutes they had their ropes, pulleys and capstan in place and
gave us to understand that the dogs would furnish all the power that
was needed. They soon had one of the sledges slowly but surely gliding
up the steep incline to the top.
We watched them a few minutes, when Captain Ganoe said:
"I think we can safely leave this matter to the Norwegians and we may
start on our return to the ship."
"I am willing to trust them," said Battell, "and it is important that
we begin at once to compare notes and lay our plans for the future. I
feel that there is no time to be lost." And giving some instructions
to Brown who had been selected as foreman in the work of road making,
to give such assistance as might be needed, we started on foot for the
ship, a distance of between five and six miles.
On our way back, Battell gave us a concise account of his observations
and the conclusions at which he had arrived.
"When we left the ship," he said, "we took a southeasterly direction.
The cold was intense, but with our ample preparations we did not suffer
so much as might have been expected. We reached open water within three
days, but the shore line was so precipitous that we could not launch
our sledge boats and sail around as I had intended. So, we continued
our journey around the ice-field toward the north, as we had begun it.
The general direction of the shore line at this point was from the
southwest toward the northeast. The traveling was fairly good and we
made good time for about a week, and then our trouble commenced. The
entire surface was covered to an unknown depth with volcanic ashes.
"The surface formation was evidently new, but careful examination
revealed the fact, that this covered an older formation of very
considerable thickness. Our soundings, owing to the precipitous
character of the coast line, were not satisfactory, but taken in
connection with my observations as to the motions of the ice-field,
I came to the conclusion that it was frequently grounding on the
tops of submarine mountains. If this is true, it will probably hasten
the breaking up when the ice becomes rotten under the influence of
continuous sunshine.
"Having satisfied myself on these points we started on our return trip,
and but for the difficult nature of the surface, and the frequent
necessity for road making, we would have been with you by the time the
sun made his appearance."
Before we reached the ship, it had been definitely settled that after a
short rest, Battell should continue his explorations toward the western
borders of the ice-field, and time the expedition, so as to return
to the ship before there was any immediate danger from the thaw. We
had come to the conclusion that we were floating in an open sea, and
it was our intention to press on for the north when the ice went to
pieces; and some phenomena, that we, in common with other explorers had
observed, led to the opinion that we would find land and not unlikely a
habitable country around the pole.
Since the sun had made his appearance, flocks of ducks, brants and
geese, coming from the north were quite numerous. When killed we found
them fat and juicy and their crops were often filled with a species of
grain resembling rice, which seemed to indicate that they came from a
temperate climate. We now began to confidently expect that when the
ice-field went to pieces we would find the country which produced this
grain--the northern home of these flocks of birds.
We argued that the six months and more of continued sunshine at the
pole, would necessarily produce a mild, if not a warm climate, for
the greater portion of the year. We held that refraction would secure
perhaps as much as seven months of sunshine at the pole, and add to
this the long twilights and the Aurora, preventing absolute darkness,
the immediate vicinity of the pole might be in many respects, a most
desirable climate. Of one thing we felt sure, and that was, that those
flocks of ducks and geese that came from the north had been well fed
with grain that must have grown in a productive country.
When we came to the ice mountain that covered the ship, Captain Battell
turned to the north, saying:
"I believe that this is the route to the mouth of the tunnel."
"Yes, that is true," replied Captain Ganoe, "but let us go by the way
of Jack's observatory, which is directly over the ship."
"All right," said Battell. "Lead on. I want to see the observatory any
way, and it is probably no further over the mountain than it is around
it, even if the traveling may be a little more laborious."
We offered no explanation as to our elevator, and in a few minutes we
were in the observatory, under the canopy of sail cloth which protected
it from the rays of the sun.
"Well, this is a cosy place," said Battell, as he seated himself upon
one of the extemporized cushioned seats with which it was furnished.
"It is," said I, "but I am more interested in seeing how Lief and Eric
are getting along in their coveted task of transferring the sledges to
this side of the ridge."
So saying, I went directly to the large telescope which we had left
bearing upon the gap Battell had chosen for a crossing place. A glance
was enough, and in reply to a questioning look from Battell I said:
"Both sledges are on top and they are preparing to let them down on
this side. Come and see for yourself. I believe that our Norwegian
sailors are equal to anything they are willing to undertake."
"I believe you are right," said Battell, as he took his place at the
telescope. "There," he continued, "they are letting the sledges down
the steep incline fully loaded. From the progress they are making,
they will be here in a few hours, with everything in ship shape for
the expedition toward the west. That rests me so, that I will not mind
clambering down to the mouth of the tunnel."
"Why go by way of the tunnel?" asked Captain Ganoe. "Just take your
seat on that divan and there need be no clambering down."
"Yes," I said, "and just let me share the seat with you, and let
the Captain act as chief of transportation and take command of the
expedition, down to the ship."
He did as he was directed with a puzzled look. Captain Ganoe took hold
of the rope while I turned on the light and we began to drop down
toward the ship.
"Well you have got things fixed up in grand style," said Battell. "Who
would have expected a few weeks ago, that we would now be descending
into the interior of an iceberg on a grandly upholstered elevator, with
the stern Captain of the Ice King as our elevator boy? Is not this
putting on a little too much style for these regions of eternal ice?"
"Not at all," I responded. "I hold, you know, that every human being is
justly entitled to the very best that his own labor can produce. But
this arrangement for facilitating our access to the outer world is the
product of the labor and skill of our Norwegian sailors. They had the
observatory almost completed before they revealed their designs to any
one but Huston."
"Then," said Battell "if that is the sort of men they are, I think
they had better remain with the ship. I had thought of proposing to
take them out with me on our western expedition and leave some of the
other men to take their place here."
"I could hardly consent to part with our Norwegians even for a few
days," said Captain Ganoe. "Since I have discovered their ability, I
want them on the ship in case of emergencies. I would not hesitate, if
it was necessary, to place them in command. The quickness of perception
and general reliability they have shown, almost persuade me that Jack
is right and that under some circumstances the highest qualities may be
developed among the most lowly."
"And it may be," said Battell, "that as Huston intimated, Lief and
Eric have some great purpose in life, and under such influences as
Jack would like to place around the common sailors, many of them might
develop qualities of a high order. I have thought much of Jack's 'pet
hobby.' On this last expedition, I have realized more than ever, the
importance of having men of lofty characters in the capacity of common
sailors, if such a thing is possible."
"And it is possible," I added. "And whether it is possible or not, it
is our duty to ourselves and to humanity to do everything in our power
to inspire all with whom we come in contact, with broader views of
life, and nobler aspirations for the future."
"Well," said Captain Ganoe, "it is certainly not my intention to
antagonize your exalted idea of our duty toward our fellow beings.
It is an ennobling thought to dwell upon, but whether it will ever
be possible for us to do much for our sailors in this way or not, it
is clearly impossible to do anything immediately, and surely Captain
Battell wants one good sleep in his own bed before he starts on
another expedition. So I propose that we now retire to our quarters for
rest. We certainly need it, and there is no duty pressing upon us to
prevent it."
We acted upon the Captain's suggestion as soon as we could reach our
cabins. In a few minutes I was sleeping soundly, and did not awake
until the gong gave notice that breakfast was ready. The crew had
returned with the sledges, and after a nap were now ready for the first
meal on shipboard that they had taken for over a month. Captain Battell
had completed preparations for his expedition toward the west, and once
more the officer's mess was complete, and while we enjoyed our repast
we discussed plans for the future. As we arose from the table, Battell
took me by the hand and said:
"You may keep a sharp lookout for me after the First of July. By that
time we ought to be able to reach open water on the west and return. If
we can launch the sledges, it is my intention to sail around the ice to
the north and if possible return along the seam which marks the channel
through which we were moving when we were entombed beneath these
'bergs.' I have already made use of your observatory to make a sketch
of the most prominent objects toward the west and north. I apprehend
no trouble. Of course we will have channels of water to contend with
before we return, but as our sledges make excellent boats, they are as
likely to expedite as to obstruct our movements. I need not caution you
to keep up your observations, and note everything that has a bearing on
our situation. I will do the same and together we cannot fail to secure
a fund of valuable information."
He bade us good-bye, and at once departed. I repaired to the
observatory, and through my glass watched the sledges until they
disappeared from view in the distance.
It was now the 20th of April, and it would be two months and a half
before we expected the return of the exploring party, and if it met
with no mishap, there was ample time for an extended tour around the
ice-field. I anticipated great results from the observations that might
be made.
Captain Battell had left with us three of his party who seemed the
least able to bear the fatigue of the long journey over the ice which
he contemplated. This was a valuable addition to the force left with
the ship, and at the same time relatively strengthened the exploring
party, as it relieved them of the prospective danger of being compelled
to take care of disabled comrades.
The weather was favorable, and soon the rays of the sun began to slowly
but surely change the surface of the ice. I watched the process with
constantly increasing interest. If we were ever to escape from our
imprisonment, our release must come as a result of the thaw. Hence,
I came to regard the little rivulets that were forming in every
direction, and usually disappearing in a short distance through some
crevice, as our saviors. If the process kept on with sufficient vigor,
the ice-field was sure to break up before we were again locked in the
embrace of an Arctic winter, and we would have an opportunity to escape.
At last the sun had reached his highest altitude, and the time had come
when we might expect the return of Battell. The thaw had progressed
rapidly and the ice was becoming rotten, and with the first storm
would probably go to pieces. But the weather was serene and there was
no immediate danger. The 1st of July had come and gone and Battell
was still absent. The thaw, under the continuous rays of the sun was
accelerated, and I began to fear the break up would come before his
return with the larger part of the crew. This might prove to be fatal
to all our hopes. I felt that we sorely needed Captain Battell with his
experience in the navigation of these frozen seas.
I now began to dread the thaw as much as I had been inclined to welcome
it two months before. I continued my observations with more interest,
if possible, than ever. The motions of the ice-field puzzled me.
We seemed to be slightly oscillating from one side to the other of
longitude 180°, but with a frequent motion toward the north.
I spent most of my time in the observatory, more on the lookout for
some indication of the return of Captain Battell than for any other
purpose. This interest was shared by every member of the crew, and we
established regular watches for this one purpose, so that there was
always some one at the telescope. Captain Ganoe and myself took the
first watch, Pat O'Brien and Huston, the second, and Lief and Eric the
third. So the entire twenty-four hours were occupied in the lookout for
Battell. In addition to this, we made several expeditions to the north
and west for many miles. While we learned that the traveling was very
toilsome, we discovered no reason why the exploring party should not be
able to return as long as the ice-field remained unbroken. It was true
that the expedition might have reached a section where the thaw had
destroyed the solidity of the ice, but it was well equipped for such a
contingency, as the sledges could readily be converted into boats.
We tried in vain to figure out the cause of Captain Battell's delay.
The ice was becoming more rotten every day and our suspense became more
and more painful. We had almost despaired of his return, when through
my glass, I observed what seemed to be a human being, directly west of
us, slowly struggling along over the rotten, slushy surface of the ice.
I called the attention of Captain Ganoe to my discovery and after a
careful scrutiny of the object he exclaimed:
"That is certainly a man. It must be Battell or one of his men
returning alone. And," he paused, and then added hastily: "He is
scarcely able to walk and falls down from sheer exhaustion. We must go
to his relief at once." And turning to Mike Gallagher, who was present,
he said: "Hurry down to the ship and tell O'Brien to summon a relief
party with a stretcher. Bring my medicine case with restoratives for an
exhausted man. Tell Huston to explain the situation to Lief and Eric.
Make all the haste possible and meet us at the mouth of the tunnel."
Mike started down on the elevator at once to deliver these orders,
while Captain Ganoe and myself went down the winding way on the west
side. At the mouth of the tunnel we were joined by the relief party.
Lief and Eric carried the stretcher, while Pat O'Brien, Paul Huston and
Mike Gallagher, each had a parcel containing something intended for the
relief of an exhausted man. The medicine case and some warm blankets
were on the stretcher.
The ice-field in this direction spread out before us into a vast plain,
but the exact spot where we had observed the approaching man was hidden
from view by a number of hummocks and we took these for our guide.
As soon as we reached the nearest and highest of these elevations, I
climbed to the top and carefully scanned the plain beyond. Several
minutes elapsed without discovering any indication of the object of our
search, when not more than a mile away, I saw through my glass the head
and shoulders of a man, arise above the surface. For a moment he seemed
to support himself on his hands and then dropped back out of sight. I
carefully noted the location and we then hurried on.
In a few minutes we came to a channel in the ice that had been worn
out by a stream of water. A little to one side a man was lying on the
bottom as if dead. We called to him, but he did not move. Lief and Eric
sprang into the channel and lifted him out.
It was Captain Battell and he was entirely unconscious. We could now
see that he had been trying with all his strength to lift himself out
of the channel which was not over four and a half feet in depth by six
or seven in width. When I saw him from the summit of the ice hummock he
was doubtless making the last effort to climb out, that his exhausted
energies would permit. We had arrived just in time to rescue him from
certain death.
As he lay upon the stretcher unconscious and scarcely breathing, in
fancy, I pictured the trials through which he must have passed. His
worn out boots and tattered clothing; his sunken eyes and pinched
features, all indicated more than words could express his terrible
struggle for life against the combined forces of cold and hunger.
True, it was not freezing weather, but the water through which he
had been compelled to wade was ice cold, and the bed upon which he
rested, must have been a melting ice hummock. All these things were
evident from the environments and did not need to be stated in words in
order to be understood and appreciated. While he alone could give us
the particulars, we were already familiar in a general way with his
experiences, traveling on foot over the fast melting ice and almost
without food for weeks and possibly months.
While no physician had been engaged for this expedition, it was because
Captain Ganoe was well qualified by education and experience to fill
the place as occasion might require, and among the stores of the Ice
King, there was an ample supply of medicines, surgical instruments
and appliances of all kinds. The Captain was very averse to being
classed as a physician, and yet his knowledge of medicine, surgery
and practice would have enabled him to aspire to the highest rank in
the profession. Hence he at once took charge of the patient with the
readiness and skill of an experienced practitioner, and soon he had him
as comfortable as dry clothing, a warm bed and appropriate restoratives
could make him.
The patient did not regain consciousness, but he was soon breathing
naturally and apparently enjoying a sound and refreshing sleep.
When all was ready for us to start on our return to the ship, Captain
Ganoe said:
"As it is evident that I must turn doctor for a few days I will place
Jack Adams in command. That will leave just six of us to carry Captain
Battell to his cabin in the Ice King. For this purpose we will divide
into three reliefs. Huston and I will take the first; Pat and Mike the
second, and Lief and Eric the third. This seems to be about the proper
order, as our Norwegian comrades carried the camp bed and medicine case
all the way from the ship."
"But what if I object to the arrangement?" I asked. "While I am
willing," I continued; "to render any service in my power, I am not
disposed to usurp your place as commander. You lead the way and I
will take my place at the handles of the stretcher. I enlisted to
obey orders and take any place assigned me, but not to usurp the
prerogatives of commander."
"Then I have only to insist upon the terms of the contract as you
understand it," said the Captain. "You say that you enlisted to obey
orders and take any place assigned you, and hence as the captain of the
Ice King, I order you to take the place of commander until I choose
to resume the duties of that position. This is just as it should be.
It was you who discovered Captain Battell and then led us to the spot
where we found him, and now you are appointed to lead us back to the
ship by the most direct and practicable route. It is fortunate for us
that you have spent so much of your time in the study of the topography
of this country, if that is the proper word to apply to a dreary waste
of ice. It is your first duty as commander to divide the distance to
the ship into easy stages and see that each relief does its part of the
work with all possible care for the comfort of our comrade. This is
'orders,' if you prefer to look at it in that light. I shall certainly
take my place at the stretcher until in your judgment, the second
relief, Pat and Mike, ought to take hold."
"All right," I said. "If I am to be commander-in-chief, whether I will
or not, my first order is, 'Follow me.'"
We returned to the ship without any particular haste, frequently
stopping to rest and to administer restoratives to the lips of our
exhausted comrade. He was conveyed to his own quarters and everything
was, by the direction of Captain Ganoe, placed as nearly as possible,
in the same shape that he left it.
He was still sleeping, and the Captain assured us that he was doing
well, and that if fever could be avoided, he would soon recover. He
cautioned us to keep quiet and not ask him any questions in case he
should awake to consciousness.
Captain Ganoe took his place at the side of the patient and from time
to time touched his lips with water. After several hours he partially
aroused from his lethargy, and the Captain administered a few spoonfuls
of broth, which were swallowed with avidity, and he again relapsed into
a profound slumber.
The Captain now directed us to leave him entirely alone with the
patient but to hold ourselves in readiness to come at a moment's
notice. He told us that all the patient now needed was profound
silence, and a little nourishment whenever he was sufficiently aroused
to partake of it. "I want Mike" he said, "to remain with me so as to be
ready at any moment to execute my orders. Captain Battell's restoration
to health and vigor is of more importance to us now than any other
consideration. I need Mike more than you do, and you must get along
with cold lunches, or, do your own cooking. If I need any of you, Mike
will let you know."
Through Mike, we heard from the sick room from time to time, but the
word was always the same; that the patient was doing well, but still
sleeping. Mike said that whenever Battell showed signs of awaking, the
Captain would administer a spoonful of soup and he would drop off to
sleep again without ever being fully aroused to consciousness.
I was keenly alive to the fact that the death, or even the great
disability of Captain Battell would be an irreparable loss to all of
us. He was the only experienced Arctic navigator and explorer among us,
and notwithstanding the cheering news from the sick room, I felt the
most intense anxiety, and remained in the library all the time, so as
to be ready to respond at once to any call from Captain Ganoe.
After forty-eight hours of this anxious waiting had gone by, I was
surprised at a personal call from Captain Ganoe, who greeted me in his
usual cordial manner, while his face fairly glowed with happiness.
Without waiting for me to ply him with questions, he exclaimed:
"Well, Jack, the danger has passed. Captain Battell has come to
himself. He is still very weak, but there are no signs of fever. I
admonished him not to talk until he had taken another nap, to which he
consented on the condition that I would call you. He wants a conference
at once."
"I am delighted to hear such good news!" I exclaimed. "But what did
he say when he realized that he was in his own cabin, and you sitting
by his side in the capacity of attendant. I have all of a woman's
curiosity in regard to this matter, and insist upon your giving me all
the particulars."
"Certainly," he replied. "Your interest is but natural, and shall be
gratified as nearly as my memory will permit. In his treatment, I
sought to keep him asleep until he had gained strength for mental and
physical effort. When he showed signs of waking up, I knew that it was
from the gnawings of hunger, and would administer a small quantity of
beef tea or some strengthening cordial, and then he would again relapse
into a profound slumber. These spells of semi-consciousness became more
and more frequent as he gained strength, and at last he opened his
eyes and looked me full in the face. He closed them again, and seemed
to reflect and then looking at me, he said in his usual calm and
deliberate manner:
"'The last thing I remember, is, that I was trying to climb out of
a channel that had been worn in the ice by a small stream of water.
The bank only came up to my chin, but I was so weak that I could
not succeed. After that, I seem to have dream-memories of delicious
feasting, and reclining on luxurious couches. I want you to tell me at
once how I got here, into my own quarters.'
"I told him to be careful and not permit himself to become the least
excited until he had gained more strength, but to content himself
with the simple statement that Jack had noticed his approach from his
observatory; and that we went immediately to his relief. 'Now,' said I,
'drink this cup of beef tea and turn over and take another nap.'
"He drank the tea and said, 'I will do as you say, if you will agree
to have Jack here when I wake up. It is a matter of the greatest
importance that we have a conference immediately. We must be ready for
the break up and I have much to tell you.'
"So saying he turned over and was soon sleeping soundly, and I am here
to request you to come to his quarters. As he is not likely to sleep
very long we had better go at once. Nature will soon be demanding
exercise for mind and body as strenuously as she has demanded rest. Let
us go."
Some ten or fifteen minutes after we entered Captain Battell's cabin he
awoke, and immediately got up and shook hands with me most cordially.
He was naturally a man of few words, and never very demonstrative of
either joy or grief, affection or anger, and usually preserved the
most perfect equilibrium, but he was visibly affected when he said:
"My dear Jack! How fortunate it has been for Captain Ganoe and myself
that you joined this expedition. But for your watchful care we would
both have been dead, and in all probability, the Ice King and the
entire crew would have been lost. You have certainly been our guardian
angel, and must ever hold the very highest place in our esteem and
affection."
"I deserve no especial thanks for anything I have done," I responded.
"We are out here all alone, imprisoned in the ice and our only hope of
escape depends upon our standing together and helping each other, at
all times and under all circumstances. The safety of every individual
depends upon the safety of every other individual. Common sense and
our common interests, dictate that we should be a unit and realize
that 'an injury to one is the concern of all.' Our rule of action
toward each other should be, 'each for all and all for each.' This
is the only principle that a truly intelligent people anywhere would
ever adopt, but here on this waste of floating ice, situated as we
are, the most stupid ought to be able to comprehend the necessity for
its application. So, I repeat that I deserve no especial credit, for
in looking out for the safety of others I do the only thing that can
be done for my own safety. This thing of caring for self, regardless
of the interests of others, indicates a deficiency in intellectual
development as much as it does hardness of heart; and a careful regard
for the comfort and interest of others, is indicative of intellectual
development as much as it is of kindness of heart and love for our
fellow creatures."
"Your philosophy," said Captain Battell, "is always right; but what
is still better you practice what you preach. Would to God that our
misguided crew had understood the self evident truths to which you
so frequently give expression. They might have saved themselves from
a terrible fate, and we would not have been short handed, now that
the ice is liable to go to pieces at any time. And as this matter is
referred to, I suppose I had better tell you at once what became of
them and why I was stranded on the ice in such a woebegone plight."
"And that is just what we are most anxious to hear," said Captain
Ganoe, "but I have resolutely suppressed this anxiety because I feared
fever and a possible fatal culmination, as the result of your exposure
and privations. We certainly do want to hear all about your expedition,
your crew and what you discovered. But do not relate it even now, if it
is going to excite you in the least. The fact is, that you must be very
careful for several days until your strength is fully restored."
"Do not be alarmed about me," said Battell. "It is not the first time
that I have been stranded on the ice and so I was to some extent
prepared for this by past experience; besides you know that I am much
inclined to be a stoic and never permit my feelings to very seriously
disturb my equilibrium."
"Then go ahead," said the Captain. "We want to hear what is uppermost
in your own mind, and we will listen. If we have any questions to ask,
or other matters to discuss, we will do that when you are through."
"Just speak when the spirit moves," said Battell. "It will not disturb
me. As you doubtless remember, when we started on this last expedition,
I was anxious to reach open water on the west and if possible launch
the boats and circumnavigate this island of ice around toward the
north as far as practicable, so as to be able to return early in
July, keeping a close watch of the movements and condition of the
ice, and noting any signs of its breaking up. We found the traveling
exceedingly difficult, and it was late in June before we reached open
water, about one hundred and fifty miles west of this. We found the ice
sloughing off in great sections and floating away from the main body,
demonstrating that the ice-field was comparatively stationary so far as
any westerly motion was concerned. By careful observation I satisfied
myself that it had grounded somewhere to the north, probably against an
island and was oscillating on that point.
"This made me more anxious than ever to launch our boats and make
observations along the shore of the ice-field which sloped off towards
the northeast. We would therefore during the exploration of its
shore-line be getting nearer to the ship, and I thought that we would
be able to reach the obstruction against which it had grounded, which
I found reasons for believing was not so very far north of the ship,
and probably near the seam where the two original ice-fields had come
together. I reasoned that it was held against an island under the
influence of north bound currents, and that the entire field might be
expected to part along this line as soon as the ice became sufficiently
rotten, which would give us a chance to keep on our way. If such a
break came along the line of this seam, the ice-field urged forward by
the northerly currents, would spread apart and we would only have to
follow the fissure as it formed, to come either to land, or out into an
open polar sea. In either case we would be safe for the coming winter.
Our greatest danger will be from the falling of the ice when these
'bergs' part company, and that, to a great extent, can be provided for.
"After careful investigation we selected a spot where by cutting a
short road down to the water's edge we could easily launch our boats.
When I gave the word, the men sprang to their work with the greatest
alacrity and in good time we had an inclined way admirably cut out
and arranged for launching the boats. We first unloaded everything of
importance, as our stores were too precious to run any risk of loss or
damage. Our boats were very soon riding the waves without any mishap,
and the dogs and baggage placed on board. While all this was going on,
I noticed frequent consultations among the men, but it seemed that it
was because they were taking unusual care in their work. As soon as
the last of our baggage was on board, the men took their places at the
oars with a promptitude which I regarded as highly commendable. Then
came the climax that I had least of all things expected. Tom Brown
halted me at the plank and asked a word with me. He said that the men
had determined to return to civilization and that they would prefer I
should go with them and retain the command.
"I was astounded at such an unreasonable, as well as infamous,
proposition to abandon the ship, and I told him I did not believe that
any body of sane men would contemplate such a suicidal undertaking. He
replied very emphatically:
"'Then, if you do not take my word for it, you may speak to the men. I
have only spoken at their request.'
"And so saying, he stepped quickly into the boat and drew the plank in
after him. The men in the boats pushed out into the water and halted
as if to listen to what I had to say.
"I expostulated with them, and explained how it would be utterly
impossible for them to reach civilization in such frail boats, and that
their provisions, at the farthest, would not last them more than four
or five weeks, and then, they must look starvation in the face. Brown,
who acted as spokesman, replied:
"'We have decided upon this thing deliberately, and we have closely
calculated how long the provisions will last. Besides, we have plenty
of ammunition and can certainly kill some game, and if the game is not
abundant, we will kill the dogs and salt them down.'
"I then tried them on another tack, and called their attention to the
comrades whom we had left behind, and the imminent danger of their
being lost, as well as ourselves, if we did not all stand together, and
make good use of the observations we had made.
"'They have the ship and must take their own chances,' said Brown. 'We
know that there is no hope of the ship being able to get out of the
ice, and we propose to save ourselves while we have an opportunity, and
you had better go with us. Let Captain Ganoe and his shipmates take
care of themselves. We cannot afford to take any chances, in a case
like this, to save them. We are determined to look out for ourselves,
and let them do the same.'
"I was so exasperated at this cold-blooded speech, revealing, as it
did, such a depth of perfidy, that I felt that I could scarcely refrain
from opening fire on them, and evidently they feared something of the
kind, for as I turned to take hold of my gun, which was leaning against
a block of ice, Brown gave the order, 'Ready!' and instantly twenty
rifles were aimed at me, and he said:
"'We do not want to hurt you, but if you do not let your gun remain
where it is until we are out of range, I will give the order to fire
and you will be filled with bullets, and you will not have even the
poor satisfaction of dying with your friends at the ship, whom you seem
to think are worth more to you than the entire crew.'
"'Have your own way,' I said. 'I certainly shall not stain my hands
with your blood, neither will I be responsible for the miserable fate
that awaits you as the result of this infamous and rash undertaking. I
have given you fair warning.'
"I watched them until they were out of range, and then started on my
return to the ship. All the food I had, was the hardtack and bacon
which I always carry in my haversack, for emergencies. I had, however,
my cartridge-box with some ammunition, and I could kill game, but
considering the long journey before me, and the slow progress I could
make, the supply was indeed very small.
"The traveling was terrible, through water and slushy ice, often for
miles at a stretch. I often had to make long detours around chasms and
inaccessible elevations. When I slept it was on a melting hummock of
ice. I could have killed a large number of brants for food, but I felt
that it would be suicidal for me to waste my ammunition on such small
game. Hence, I took my chances of finding something larger. I killed
a goose occasionally, but was compelled to eat it raw, as I had no
means of making a fire. But I did not fear starvation as long as my
ammunition lasted.
"I had reason, however, to fear that the ice would break between me
and the ship, and this came near being the case when I first started
on my return. When I was only a few hundred yards from the place
where the boats were launched, a large strip of the shore-line broke
away behind me. But, I now think this rapid breaking up on the western
border was due to a strong ocean current, that did not extend very far
east. However, I was very apprehensive that I might be sent adrift into
an unknown ocean on a cake of ice, and probably, for this reason, I
exerted myself more than I should have done for the first few days.
"I got along tolerably well until my boots gave out, and then the
ice-cold water seemed to paralyze my limbs, and my progress was
correspondingly impeded.
"I often felt that I must drop in my tracks, and never make another
effort to move. But I was buoyed up by the thought that every step
brought me nearer the ship. At last I could catch glimpses of this
ice mountain, and the sight gave me renewed strength and courage. But
my ammunition had given out, and I was famishing for food. I would
often fall from sheer exhaustion, but would rally again, and stagger
on toward the goal of my hopes. When I came to the channel where you
found me, I made an effort to spring across, but landed on the bottom.
I repeatedly attempted to climb out on this side, but failed. You know
the rest."
"I thank God," said Captain Ganoe, "that Jack discovered your approach
so that we could come to your assistance. The loss of so many of our
crew is much to be regretted, but your loss would have been much worse,
as your experience is indispensable to the safety of all. And now you
must take some refreshments and another nap and then I think you will
be all right."
"I will take the refreshments," said Battell, "but we have no time to
waste on sleep until work has commenced in earnest on the necessary
preparations for our escape. How long have I been here?"
"A little over forty-eight hours."
"Then we cannot afford to delay another two days before we commence
work."
"Do you think the danger so pressing as that?" asked the Captain.
"I do," said Battell emphatically. "We are at the close of an Arctic
summer and we may look for storms and a breaking up at any time. The
ice is very rotten, and the ocean currents, which are holding this
ice-field against some point of land or submarine mountain, may part
it in twain at any time, and then we will be compelled to run for our
lives."
"And what preparation do you advise?" asked the Captain. "Tell us just
what to do and I will see that work is commenced at once and pushed to
completion as rapidly as our small force will permit.
"The first thing to be done," said Battell, "is to see that the boilers
are free from all sediment, and that the furnaces are filled with the
most combustible material we have, so the application of a match will
produce a fierce heat and get up steam in the shortest time possible.
If we had plenty of coal, I would get up steam at once and keep up a
moderate pressure until the ice had gone to pieces, or we were securely
frozen up for the winter. But with our small supply of coal we cannot
afford to do this, and I am quite sure that we cannot afford to wait
for the break to commence, or the coming of a storm. In either case we
will have a few minute's warning. Of course in such an emergency we
must use steam, as with our small force the sails might be a positive
detriment.
"Secondly, when the break comes, there will be a fall of ice from over
head that might prove fatal to those who must remain on the upper deck.
This must be provided for by the erection of substantial structures to
protect those who direct the course of the ship.
"Thirdly, cut all the cables that hold the ship but four, so that our
diminutive force can cut us loose with one blow of their axes.
"This is all the work that our small force can possibly get through
with before the breaking up of the ice, if that is to occur at all,
this season."
"Then," said the Captain, "I will go at once and commence work, and if
the necessity is as pressing as you think, you had better take all the
rest you can, so that you can lend a hand when the emergency comes."
"I will rest and eat," said Battell, "but I will not be idle. To
gain strength, I must take exercise, so Jack and I will make some
observations along the seam in the ice which marks the old channel, as
the break will in all probability be along that line."
Captain Ganoe, commenced the work of preparation immediately, and
Battell and myself engaged in the work that he had proposed. Our
observations, made with the greatest care, seemed to confirm, more
decidedly than ever, the theory that the ice-field had lodged against
some obstruction, not very far north of us.
Since we had reached longitude 180°, we had been oscillating from
one side to the other but had made considerable progress toward the
north, indicating that the ice was sloughing away in that direction
while the main body was held against some obstruction, by the force of
the currents. My own observations all the time had shown that we were
oscillating, and these compared with observations made by Battell,
one-hundred and fifty miles west, where this movement was much more
apparent, gave us reliable data on which to make calculations. At the
present time, the sloughing off of the ice was evidently much more
rapid on the west and hence our position was tending more than ever
toward the east of the longitudinal line on which we lay. From the
observations we had made we calculated that the obstruction against
which the ice-field had lodged, was about one degree due north of our
present position.
We closely examined the seam in which we lay and found numerous
indications of its weakness. In many places, where the walls of
the closing channel had not come into close contact, we found open
water for considerable distances, where the fish were making their
appearance. On the theory which Captain Battell had evolved, it did not
seem difficult to prognosticate just where the break would first make
its appearance, and some of the contingencies which would confront us
when that time came.
Within a few days, notwithstanding our very small force, everything was
ready for the emergency we anticipated and now we anxiously awaited
the storm that would sunder the ice-field and release us from our long
imprisonment. But the weather remained calm while it was steadily
growing colder and we began to fear that we would be locked in the ice
for another winter. At last, however, a stiff breeze set in from the
southwest and the barometer began to fall, indicating an approaching
storm. Immediately every man was at his post, but hours passed away and
the wind did not increase. The order was given for every man to remain
at his post and be ready to act as soon as the alarm should be sounded.
As no special duty had been assigned to me, I retired to my quarters in
the library to take a much needed rest and was soon asleep.